1 Timothy 3: Sober-minded
Sober-minded 1 Timothy 3:2 What has gone before... In Paul's "job description" for overseer, the first and last descriptors function as an introduction and summary: above reproach and well thought of . Paul requires Christians to consider whether they are above reproach concerning marriage . Biblically, marriage is a life-long, socially legal contract between one man and one woman. If this contract is broken, it must be only for the cause of sexual immorality. Divorce for any other reason is evidence of sin-hardened hearts. Until such a heart is submitted to Christ in repentance , such a one should not be considered for the office of overseer. Moving on... After faithfulness in marriage, Paul next urges us toward sober-mindedness . "An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded.." 1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV) SOBER-MINDED: nephaleos "nay-FAL-eh-os" (sober or circumspect, wary and unwilling to take risks); from ne...